Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Heavy fighting took place during in the Tet Offensive at the beginning of 1968, followed by a mini-Tet in May and June. During the second half of the year, the Australians were involved in a series of gruelling, lengthy operations aimed at destroying enemy units in Phuoc Tuy Province and driving them from their remote bases and sanctuaries. This was designed to give the Australians better control over the province through their planned security and pacification program.

Operation Capital commenced on 12 October 1968 in the north-eastern Thua Tich district of the province. It was a gruelling operation, patrolling daily through difficult terrain, including dense jungle, and in ceaseless rain. It was a multi-battalion operation of increasing intensity, supported by US infantry and armour. Most clashes with the Viet Cong were intermittent: fleeting contacts and occasional intense actions, usually involving attacks on enemy bunkers. Enemy parties ranged from small groups to an estimated full company. But when they sensed an advantage, the Viet Cong would stay and fight.

After one brief contact on the morning of 19 October, Thomson’s 2 Platoon was attacked by a company-sized enemy force, using at least three machine-guns and rocket-propelled grenades. Thomson was on the heavy M-60 machine-gun with his mate, Lance Corporal Paul Richard Peter Van Rijsewijk. They quickly went to ground on the left flank and responded, pouring fire back at the Viet Cong, and keeping this larger enemy force from over-running the platoon.

But soon the enemy RPG rounds were directed into the trees above the pair, raining down shrapnel and splinters, seriously wounding both men. Despite this, Van Rijsewijk was able to indicate that both he and Thomson were still in the fight. With bravery and determination, they continued firing on the enemy. Platoon commander Second Lieutenant Peter Fraser called in artillery fire on the Viet Cong positions, and soon shells were exploding just metres in front of the Australians.

Photograph previous page:   Left Lance Corporal Paul Richard Peter Van Rijsewijk.   Right is Ian James Thomson.

But then another volley of RPGs landed close by Thomson and Van Rijsewijk, and they were again hit. Two of their comrades, Privates Jessen and Bluzer, were able to crawl over to them, and between them managed to drag Ian Thomson and Paul Van Rijsewijk to a safer position.  First aid was given, but L/Cpl Paul Van Rijsewijk died soon afterwards.  With the help of two American helicopter gunships that put down suppressing fire, the platoon managed to withdraw to the relative safety of the company position. Ian Thomson, badly wounded but still alive and was carried out on a stretcher – but soon after arriving, he too died.  After four hours the Viet Cong broke contact and withdrew, leaving behind seven dead.  6 other Australians were wounded in the action.

Private Kevin Booth, who took over as section commander, was awarded the Military Medal for his actions that day. He later said that the medal belongs to the whole section and paid particular tribute to his two machine-gunners, Ian Thomson and Paul Van Rijsewijk, who held their position under heavy fire despite being wounded.  They had undoubtedly saved the platoon from being overrun by a superior force and had saved many of their mates’ lives.